This is a blog about our explorations in and around the Buffalo River Area in Arkansas. We'll explore trails, waterfalls, the River and various restaurants and events in the area.

Jasper

06/27/2012

Last weekend marked the 15th annual Elk Festival in Jasper. The festival is a relatively new tradition in Jasper -- celebrating the reintroduction of the elk herds back to the Buffalo River area.

Last year was the first year I'd ever been to the festival -- and we had a great time attending pretty much everything Saturday had to offer at the festival. This year we limited ourselves to just visiting the many vendors and going to the must-attend event of the Elk Festival -- the Dutch Oven Cookoff.

If you're not familiar, Dutch ovens are essentially cast iron pots that people cook a variety of different items in over hot coals. Each of the competing teams (many dress in traditional costumes) prepares a type of bread, a main course, and a dessert. Judges vote -- and then for $2, you get a bowl, a plastic fork, and common folks like me can go to the various booths for a small sampler of their vittles. You then get to cast your vote for a people's choice award (choosing just one is the hardest part!) .Dutch Oven cooking is gaining popularity around the country and it is definitely a culinary delight.

Among our favorites were a garlic bread, pork roast (my favorite), a cajun jambalaya (Michelle's favorite), ruben meatballs (sourkrout baked in), beef stew, carrot cake and an amazing cheesecake. All of the pics here are of the many tasty sights at the Dutch Oven cookoff. Attend, but just leave a little sample for me.